Francesco Casanova
Francesco Casanova (1727–1803) was an Italian painter known for his contributions to the Rococo movement. Born in London to Italian parents, he spent much of his career in France and Austria, where he became renowned for his dynamic battle scenes and landscapes. Casanova studied under the tutelage of Charles Parrocel in Paris, which significantly influenced his artistic development. His works were characterized by their vivid depiction of military subjects, earning him a position as a court painter for Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Despite his success, Casanova's later years were marked by financial difficulties, leading to his death in poverty in Brühl, near Vienna. His legacy endures through his detailed and energetic compositions, which continue to be studied for their technical prowess and historical significance.